last winter i installed my Garmin GHP10 AP on my '02 282 and love it.
there are many really good pilots with the following being very popular >> Simrad AP24, Raymarine's X-10, and Garmin GHP10.
Main reasons i chose Garmin were virtual rudder feedback (i read and heard that rudder feedback's can fail, i can see it being it's exposed on the steering ram cylinder and not tucked away inside, so a virtual unit eliminates that possibility and one less item to install), and Shadow Drive. Shadow Drive makes overriding the pilot a no brainer and there is no worry of damaging other parts by turning the helm when AP in engaged. This is also a huge safety benefit too, as i thinks it's faster to grab and turn the helm to dodge than press button(s) as you have to take your eyes off course to press buttons and also any inexperienced boater can grab the wheel to override the AP, if need be.
Regardless of which you choose, i think you'll find adding an AP one of the best decisions you make in boating and fishing.
it has changed my boating and fishing tremendously, especially trolling and for those longer trips.
i also found that as the captain of my boat, i'm much more relaxed and energetic using the AP at the end of a trip as my energies are conserved not constantly ensuring the boat is on course and pay more attention to what is coming up ahead and enjoying the ride.
